Arrival in Kathmandu Airport (1,338 m/4,390 ft)

Kathmandu - Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, complete your customs formalities (visa, etc.) and proceed to the airport waiting terminal, where our representative will be waiting to greet you. Look for the Accessible Adventure signboard with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in our private vehicle. Accommodation: Hotel

Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar to Syange (1100/3600 ft)

Trek Start: Syange to Dharapani (1,860m/6100 ft)

Dharapani Temple - We begin early after breakfast. The trail rises and falls, leading to Chamje, where we cross a suspension bridge and climb through an oak forest. Today, you’ll notice a dramatic change in the landscape as the valley narrows into a deep gorge, with cascading waterfalls becoming a common sight for the next few days. The trail then opens into a level valley where ‘Tal’, the next village, is located at the base of a grand waterfall (1700m). We continue past some mani stones just after Tal Village. The local custom is to walk on the left-hand side of the Mani walls. We cross the Marshyangdi River over suspension bridges a couple of times before reaching Dharapani. Walking Time: 6-7 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meal: B, L, D.

Overnight at a Guesthouse

Chame - The climb from Dharapani to Bagarchap is gentle, and here we are rewarded with views of Annapurna II (7937m) looking up the valley. As we continue through Danakyue and climb to Temang, the view of the Manaslu Range is breathtaking. Today, you’ll notice a change in vegetation to pine and fir. The trail is fairly level for about an hour until it emerges into a clearing with a couple of tea houses and fields. We then descend to cross a bridge, and after climbing out, we pass through Thanchok Village with its apple orchards. We reach Koto in about thirty minutes from Thanchok village and another thirty minutes to Chame, the headquarters of Manang District. Walking Time: 5-6 hours, Accommodation: Local lodge, Included Meal: B, L, D

Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft)

Pisang to Manang (3,540m/11611 ft)

Manang - Today, we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, shielded from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. The people of this region herd yaks and cultivate crops for part of the year. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails from the north and south of the Marshyangdi River, which meet again at Mungji. The southern route via Hongde, with its airstrip at 3,325m, involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru and Ngawal villages. For better views, we take the northern route through upper Pisang, following the northern bank of the river. We come across a picturesque village clinging to a cliffside, where the houses appear stacked on top of each other. It’s Bragha village, dominated by the oldest monastery in the region, over 500 years old. Upon reaching Manang, the rest of the day can be spent exploring the village, visiting the monastery, and enjoying the view.

Acclimatization Day at Manang Village

Manang - We spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. It is recommended to stay active and take short walks to higher altitudes to acclimatize. We spend the day enjoying some fine day walks and viewing the magnificent sights around the village. The next two days will be very demanding and tiring treks with a swift gain in altitude. We should never be too confident with the altitude and should always be watchful. Bodzo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake are worth visiting from an acclimatization point of view. Manang village houses the Himalayan Rescue Association. Volunteer western doctors work here during the trekking seasons, helping educate trekkers and researching Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). An altitude talk is held here every afternoon, which is definitely worthwhile attending.

Manang to Kangshar

Kangshar to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13612): 5-6 hrs

Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake [4920m/16137ft] and back to Tilicho Base Camp

Tilicho Lake - From Tilicho Base Camp, the path covers that route. Continue along the shore to a small plain. Leave the lake here and aim for a small saddle in the ridge above. The path is rather steep, with plenty of loose scree and boulders. Reach the first pass and descend to a valley on the other side. Follow it upwards and step onto a flat glacier. It has no crevasses and is safe. Follow its left (south) side upwards. Leave it where an obvious saddle westward is visible. Go through this watershed. There is a small lake. Continue ahead on a faint path, lose a little altitude, and then gain another saddle. On the other side, descend into a small valley that turns south. Coming out of it, you reach the western shore of Tilicho Lake. We spend some time exploring the lake and then trek back to Tilicho Base Camp for the night.

Tilicho Base Camp - Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft)

Yak Kharka - From Tilicho Base Camp, we trek down to Kangsar and continue towards Yak Kharka. The trail passes through ancient Mani walls in a pleasant meadow and then reaches a river. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge and walking for some time, we reach the small village of Yak Kharka. A gradual ascent is key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Yak Kharka - From Tilicho Base Camp, we trek down to Kangsar and continue towards Yak Kharka. The trail passes through ancient Mani walls in a pleasant meadow and then reaches a river. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge and walking for some time, we reach the small village of Yak Kharka. A gradual ascent is key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft)

Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5416m/17764ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft)

Muktinath - From Thorung Phedi, we start early and climb gradually towards Thorung La Pass, one of the most strenuous and longest treks of this entire journey, passing the High Camp here. Before ascending over the challenging pass, we trek past several false summits and increasingly high altitudes. As we reach the top of the pass at 5416m, we are rewarded with breathtaking scenery.

The extraordinary beauty of the Himalayas is sure to keep us motivated. Although the climb requires great effort, passing Thorung La, the world’s largest pass, will remain in your memory forever. Due to the high altitude, a slow pace is recommended.

Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2660m/8250ft)

Marpha - A spiritual essence surrounds us as we visit the holy temple of Muktinath early in the morning. After breakfast, we walk gradually downhill to Ekley Bhatti. The trail is quite steep, so careful and proper use of trekking poles is required. Take one step at a time, don’t rush; simply enjoy the serene surroundings and comfortably reach Ekley Bhatti. Further, we push towards Jomsom, a very windy place where a full face mask and wind stopper jacket are needed to avoid windblast. The wind forming across the Valley Mountain and gorges blows even more strongly in the afternoon; therefore, we try to cross the downstream of Kaligandaki and arrive at Marpha before noon. This local village of Marpha is popular for apple products, and we shall surely taste a few.

Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2530m/7848ft)

Kalopani - After celebrating apple day at Marpha, we make our way along a few local tea shops, commonly called bhattis. Tasting a few apple brandies, tea, or coffee would be a better choice there. While comfortably walking on a flatter surface, we also get splendid views of the nearby Dhaulagiri Himalaya. Further, we cross Tukuche village and see the famous Dhaulagiri icefall, where we might stop for a while to take some pictures and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Our walk then continues towards Largung and Kobang village on a more or less flatter surface trail to Kalopani. If interested, we can also visit Tikuche Distillery, which supplies drinking water to nearby villages and towns.

Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1190m/3690ft)

Tatopani - We shall get wonderful views of Mt. Annapurna I and other surrounding peaks from Kalopani. Today, however, we move towards Tatopani, which is more than 1000m down in elevation. First, we have our early meal and descend to Dana, where we stop for lunch and see the deepest Kaligandaki gorge in the world. Further trekking mostly downhill for 3 hours takes us to Tatopani. From here, we also get nice views of Nilgiri and other surrounding peaks. There is a natural hot spring at Tatopani, and we shall take a dip there for relaxation. Later, we return to our local lodge at Tatopani.

Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2780m/9480ft)

Ghorepani - Trekking around the Nepal Himalayas brings us many ups and downs. As we are at 1190m of elevation today, we take on the challenge of ascending to 2780m to reach Ghorepani. This challenge also brings many cultural and natural influences. We cross the villages of Ghare, Shika, Phalate, and Chhitre today, where most of the local inhabitants are from the Magar and Gurung communities, with a few mixed groups. With quick stops along the trails, jungle walks, and narrow paths, we also get fine views of the Annapurnas today; however, the best view is seen the next day from the Poonhill viewpoint. We go to bed a little early as we need to wake up before sunrise tomorrow.

Hike from Ghorepani to Poonhill (3210m/10531ft), Descend to Nayapul and Drive to Pokhara

Pokhara - Today, we hike up early in the morning towards the Poonhill viewpoint before sunrise to see panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas. The views will be from different sides, offering a new beautiful perspective of the snow-capped peaks.

After approximately 45 minutes to an hour of hiking to the top of the hill, we eagerly await that magical moment. Then, the sun rises slowly above the Annapurna Himalayan range, and it is worth watching. A few moments later, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue our trek towards Nayapul.

We follow the popular route of the Ghorepani Poonhill trek via Ulleri, Tikhedhunga, Birethanti, and finally to Nayapul. Upon arrival at Nayapul, we will catch a jeep that takes us to the city of Pokhara. We stay overnight at a comfortable hotel in Pokhara.

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Kathmandu - We take a tourist bus ride to Kathmandu today early in the morning around 7 to 8 AM and arrive in Kathmandu, just in front of the Icicles Adventure Office. You can then visit our office and share your Annapurna Circuit adventure, or our office representative will assist you in hotel transfer (check-in). Later, you are welcome to join our farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant in Thamel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Airport Drop and International Departure from Kathmandu

Kathmandu - After 20 amazing days of your Nepal trip with the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trekking adventure, it’s time to leave this beautiful country and fly to your onward destination. Today, we will transfer you from your hotel to TIA airport in Kathmandu 3 hours prior to your scheduled international flight. We hope we have been successful in offering you wonderful travel memories. See you again soon. Farewell. Included Meals: Breakfast

• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader and assistant (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
• Two nights’ deluxe accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
• All government and local taxes
• Complimentary down jacket and sleeping bag (return after trip)
• Breakfast included
• Trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map included
• Transfer to Syange from Kathmandu by public vehicle
• Medical kit carried by trek leader
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• One night’s deluxe accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
• Staff costs covered including salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
• Private vehicle transfer from Nayapul to Pokhara post-trek
• Tourist bus transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu

• Travel insurance
• Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• International airfare
• Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.
• Hot showers during the trek
• All kind of cold drinks e.g. water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
• Personal trekking equipments
• WiFi internet during the trek
• Tips for trekking staff and driver
• Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner) during the trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek, inclusive of Tilicho Lake and Poon Hill, embarks towards the globe’s loftiest lake situated within the Manang District of Nepal. Initially following the Annapurna Circuit path, we divert from Manang heading west towards the main valley, ascending to the resplendent Tilicho Lake. The trail merges once more with the Annapurna Circuit, traversing the elevated Thorong La pass, among the highest on the planet. Additionally, we ascend Poon Hill, renowned for its breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Our 17-day expedition takes us through woodlands, over unspoiled grasslands, immersing us in a diversity of flora with the magnificent Himalayas as our constant backdrop.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.